I'm a lifelong believer in trade unionism.

We should have high expectations of our children, but politicians should not tell teachers how to meet them.

I'm a fully paid-up member of the human race.

I can hardly think of an occasion when I've got into a stand-up fight with any political opponent. I've got my views, people know what they are, they can agree or they can choose to disagree. I'm not going to waste time just rubbishing everybody else.

I'm not someone who dwells upon past events, taking the view that life is too short

I think that former leaders are best seen occasionally and not too often heard - particularly on the subject of their successors!

It is true that I entered parliament at the age of 23, and have now been representing the people of my constituency for over twenty years.